Media still focusing on Owens

Every word is recorded, every inflection analyzed, every glance scrutinized. The dealings between 49ers coach Steve Mariucci and receiver Terrell Owens have taken on a life of their own.

Under such circumstances, even a lifelong friendship might crack. Both Owens and Mariucci wish the intense focus on them were aimed elsewhere.

"If T.O. and I could put all this stuff behind us, it would be great if the media could too," Mariucci said. "Turn the page."

Owens' questioning of Mari- ucci's decision to sit on the ball at the end of the Washington game is an example of how their relationship always draws the spotlight.

Owens said Mariucci lacked "killer instinct" in not trying to go for a touchdown late in the 49ers' 20-10 win. Players and coaches dearly wanted to avenge the Redskins' 38-7 flattening of the 49ers in an Aug. 3 exhibition, when Washington coach Steve Spurrier reinserted his starters in the second half and piled on the points.

Mariucci said he wanted to avenge the loss, too, but thought it was better to sit on the ball rather than risk injuries. The 49ers had lost three starters, guard Dave Fiore and linebackers Jamie Winborn and Julian Peterson, to knee injuries already.

Mariucci also didn't want to imperil a sure victory by having an interception or fumble run back for a touchdown. Most of the team initially disagreed with Mariucci's call. Tackle Derrick Deese was the most demonstrative, screaming at Mariucci from the field.

But after the game, the media focused on Owens' comments, which pitted Mariucci's decision against Owens' desire to pour it on the Redskins.

"That's unfair," Deese said. "If you would have asked Jeff Garcia or anybody on the (offensive) line, they would have wanted to go for it. You make T.O. out to be defiant and that wasn't the case."

The lines of communication remain open between Mariucci and Owens. The two talk during games, trying to find ways to get the receiver involved. Recently they met privately to discuss Owens' comments after the Redskins game.

Since then, Owens has refused to talk to the media in a group setting and has been wary of doing any interviews, even though he's serving as a spokesman for the Alzheimer's Association. The nonprofit has its largest fund-raiser, the "Memory Walk" on Treasure Island Oct. 12, but Owens has been reluctant to promote the event.

"(The media) has subtle ways to get around to talking about (Mariucci)," Owens said. He will conduct an interview Wednesday with a Bay Area newspaper, and the reporter has been told to limit questions to the fund-raiser.

When Owens is unavailable, his teammates have to talk for him, which can be frustrating.

"I don't want to get asked about what T.O. thinks," Deese said. "I don't know what he thinks."

Owens seems to accept the media scrutiny better than anyone. He seems much more frustrated with the lack of offensive cohesion.

"We're 2-1, and I should be more concerned about that," Owens admitted, "but we still have missed so many opportunities. I was more upset after the win than the loss because of the lost opportunities."

Owens partially blames himself for the offensive woes. "I feel the pressure to do great things," he said. "When I dropped that ball against Denver, I was trying to get upfield before I caught it."

He also acknowledges it's difficult to contain his frustration.

"I feel like I'm not getting any younger, and those missed opportunities are just a waste," he said. "I tell myself it's early (in the season), but I want it now. It's hard when I go on a rant without complaining or pointing fingers."

His teammates seem to accept Owens' sharp criticisms in practice without rancor. Players such as Deese, who once brawled with Owens in training camp, now support him.

"That (Mariucci-Owens) issue was dead in our locker room a long time ago," Deese said. "We know on Sunday, Mooch is going to coach and Owens is going to play."